”Both are willing participants in this whole fiasco,” Xander said coolly after a brief silence. Ivan immediately realized what he meant. “You should call it ‘karma’s a b*tch,’” he said, amused.…… At that moment, Ivanka had helped Rosie into the lounge. When she saw an upset Rosie sitting on the chair, she slowly sat next to her and spoke softly, “Grandma, I know every year on this day you’ll feel sad, but it has been so many years now. Has time not helped you move on?”Rosie’s heart was immediately in turmoil. She instinctively raised her head and looked at Ivanka. “Iv, this is something I’ll never get over. You’ve never experienced it. You won’t understand…” Before she could finish, Ivanka held Rosie’s hand tightly and said solemnly, “Grandma, do you know why I went all the way to a church in the mountain and got you a gold cross?”Rosie was stunned. Ivanka continued. “I’ve got it for you in the hopes that you’ll be at peace and live a long life.”Rosie sighed and said, “Oh
Ivanka’s head shot up to look at Rosie. “Grandma, he’s back… as Michael.”Rosie’s sad facade cracked. “You brat! You…!”In the next moment, Rosie shook her head helplessly and sighed. “Girl, I know you’re trying to comfort me. But twisting facts to this extent is just—”Before she could finish speaking, Ivanka looked at her resolutely and said, “Grandma, you know Pastor Paul, don’t you? You know he’ll never lie. A man of God doesn’t lie. You might not trust me, but you have to trust Pastor Paul. How about this? You and I will meet him at the cathedral tomorrow. Then, you can listen to what he has to say in person.”“St. John Cathedral? It’s a place with a huge significance in our community.” Rosie thought. She then looked at Ivanka in shock. “Iv, you…” Ivanka smiled plainly and said, “Grandma, let’s go together. Let’s meet this pastor, and you’ll know. He might not be destined to be your son, but maybe, he’s meant to be your grandson. He’s still considered your flesh and blood
Rosie cocked an eyebrow in curiosity. “That makes sense. But it’s just too outlandish…”Grandma believed in the existence of God. That was why Ivanka dared use this method to deceive her. If anyone else had heard it, they would think that she was saying something irresponsible. “Grandma, the world is big and filled with amazing things. You have to believe Pastor Paul!” “Pastor Paul is indeed a great pastor. Let’s go and meet him tomorrow and see if he’s free.”Ivanka smiled and nodded. “So… Grandma, today’s your birthday, and Michael is still waiting for you outside. Don’t you want to see through your party to the end? There are many guests outside, too.”She felt more relaxed now. She was overjoyed because her plan had succeeded. “It worked! Grandma is letting go of her burden soon.” She thought. “Okay, let’s go.” Now, Rosie’s mood had clearly improved. She instantly felt like seeing her grandson. With that, Ivanka supported Rosie as they went out together. The guests
Rosie was touched. “Honey…”She thought Samuel had forgotten how they felt toward each other in the past. Samuel sighed. “Come. Give my cake a taste and let me know if it still tastes the same.”Ivanka smiled as she watched Samuel hold Rosie’s hand as they walked to the table.She looked around and noticed Catherine had stayed. Now, she no longer looked as prideful as before. She then shifted her gaze to Sandy. She was enjoying the drinks and food with her friends. Everyone was enjoying the party. However, Michael suddenly looked at Ivanka. “Come with me.”He headed out right after he said this. Ivanka frowned. Although she was reluctant, she knew she had to follow him to talk to him about what happened earlier to prevent Rosie from finding out what she did.Some people who saw that the divorced couple went out together again became suspicious. Michael did not turn to see whether Ivanka came, because he heard her coming after him. He only stopped and turned to look a
She continued to struggle as she spoke, but there was a huge gap in their strength. Ivanka was furious. “Let go of me!”Michael’s expression turned extremely dour. Every word from Ivanka was filled with great scorn that stabbed his heart!“Ivanka Lane! I know the kind of schemes you’re cooking! I’m giving you a chance. We can be remarried, but after that, don’t you ever play tricks and get close to Jonah Sadler again!”Ivanka was baffled and slightly stunned. She stared at the man in bewilderment, but he instantly frowned. So, was she trying to attract his attention? Did her expression imply that she never expected him to give in so quickly?Michael suddenly felt extremely irritated.Just then, Ivanka raised her leg abruptly and stepped on his foot without mercy!She was wearing stiletto heels, and she even used all her strength. Michael grunted and immediately stepped back. Ivanka’s hesitation instantly disappeared, and she took the opportunity to swiftly get out of his gra
After Ivan was finally done laughing, he said, “You have no idea what I just saw!”Xander raised his eyebrows without a word. He was clearly waiting for Ivan to speak.Ivan moved close to Xander and whispered, “I saw a pit on the surface of Michael’s shoe, which means someone stepped on it! Besides, there’s a scratch mark. I can tell that it was a very strong step! Michael’s expression was extremely dark, so he must have been humiliated!”Surprise flashed in Xander’s eyes. Ivanka was probably Michael’s soft spot.She was his downfall, and she was also the one who had angered him.Ivan was extremely amused. “It’s my first time seeing him look like that. But when I went out, I didn’t see that woman.”That woman naturally referred to Ivanka.Xander looked up and saw Michael walking in.He was alone, and Ivanka had yet to return.After Michael sat down, Ivanka still did not show up. He instantly frowned. What was she playing at again?Rosie had finished half of her plate, and she
Right now, she was supporting herself on a tree with one hand and raising her bare foot in the air.She was trying to figure out how to walk back.Michael saw this when he retraced his steps. When he saw her conflicted and troubled expression, surprise filled his gaze.During their three-year marriage, all he had ever seen was gentleness and decency. One could also describe her as virtuous and tender. She really used to be a typical good wife.He never saw such an emotion on her face. It was like a combination of a sneer, sarcasm, contempt, and struggle.At this time, Ivanka seemed very animated.When Ivanka sensed someone staring at her from the side, she subconsciously looked up with anticipation. She just needed to ask them to call Sandy.However, she did not expect to see Michael. On top of that, he was looking at her like he was staring at a clown.Her face instantly soured.When it rained, it poured. Why did she always have to encounter this demon?Michael was amused by
When Michael noticed that Ivanka was still trying to resist, he yelled angrily, “Grandma told me that if I didn’t bring you back, she wouldn’t celebrate her birthday. So, be good, Ivanka Lane!”Ivanka immediately quietened down.She knew that her grandmother intended to match them together, so it was not surprising for her grandmother to say something like that.Besides, how could Michael possibly lie? If their grandmother never forced him, would he lower his status and look for her?While she remained silent, Michael suddenly carried her.Ivanka never made a sound when she nearly fell earlier, but she could not help but scream at this moment.“Michael Barkworth!”She subconsciously held the man’s neck, but she instantly let go of him in a panic. “You… Put me down, now. You just need to help support me.”“Do you think I want to carry you?” Michael’s eyes were full of impatience.Although he said that, he still held the woman in his arms tightly. She would not fall even if she
Ivanka nodded. What Rosie said was true. Rosie continued, “If Michael were the stranger, why are you resisting him and feeling helpless?” Ivanka was stunned. It was a fact. If a stranger courted her relentlessly, Ivanka would only find them annoying. But she would not resist them. Only she knew the reason she refused to accept them. But when it came to Michael, she treated him differently. From the bottom of her heart, she refused to give him a fair chance to court her. Was it because she was worried that her heart would move for him? Ivanka was startled by the thought. She shook her head as if trying to get that ridiculous thought out. When Rosie saw this, she chuckled. Ivanka was a smart woman. It was sufficient to say all that; too much would be meaningless. Rosie looked up at the moon. She could not help but sigh. “Tonight’s a beautiful moon night. Unfortunately, it’s time for me to go to bed.” After Rosie finished her sentence, she headed to her room. Ivanka
On the other hand, Ivanka had no idea her best friend had “betrayed” her. She helped Rosie into the bedroom. When they passed the garden, Rosie suggested walking inside it. Ivanka was too embarrassed to reject her. So, they came to the garden. The gardeners attended and trimmed the garden daily. It was naturally a sight to behold. There were many rare plants in the garden. Of course, there were also some rare herbal plants in the garden. Ivanka had planted them, and the herbal plants were flourishing. There was a botanical garden encircled within the garden. It contained the herbal plants used to nourish Rosie’s health. While they were walking along the path, the fragrance of flowers, the earthy smell of the soil, and the faint aroma of the herbal plants entered their nostrils. The fragrance lifted their spirits. On top of that, the fragrance could refresh one’s mind. Rosie felt more refreshed as she walked down the path in the garden. She grabbed Ivanka and shared
Within the blink of an eye, it was already 12 a.m.. Ivanka noticed that Rosie had been yawning but still refused to go to bed. Ivanka knew why. While they were chatting, Ivanka occasionally turned to Rosie. While Rosie was wiping off her basal tears, Ivanka and Michael exchanged glances. Ivanka sat beside Rosie and patted her hands gently. Rosie looked more alert, but her eyes were still a little blurry and appeared bloodshot. She had dark rings beneath her eyes. In spite of her exquisite makeup, her dark eye rings were still visible. Of course, it was only visible when Ivanka looked closer at her. Seeing this, Ivanka’s heart ached more for Rosie. Ivanka believed Rosie must have stayed up late or had insomnia when she and Michael went missing. Rosie wanted to receive first-hand information about the missing duo, but she was also worried that she would not be able to face reality. After struggling and battling with her inner conflicts for a month, Rosie’s health de
Speaking of which, this was Michael’s first time seeing Ivanka looking this helpless, and he found this a novelty. Whenever Rosie said things like that, Ivanka usually looked expressionless. She either looked calm, or she pretended to be deaf. Based on her unease and embarrassed look, did that mean her heart began to move for Michael? With that thought in his mind, Michael was eager to find out the answer. At that moment, they heard Candice’s voice. “Why are you staying outside? Did I come at a bad time? I thought I could have dinner immediately after I returned from work.” Ivanka and her group turned around and saw Candice standing not far away from them. She smiled as she looked at them. When Candice noticed Rosie’s teary eyes, she looked surprised and approached them. “Grandma has a sharp tongue, but she’s soft-hearted. She said the two of you were so cruel that you left her and a whole mess behind. She said she would teach you a lesson when you return.” While speaki
Everything had been fine just a moment ago.Why had she suddenly started to distance herself from him?It was probably true that a woman’s mind was unpredictable. Even a strong woman was no exception.Soon, they arrived at the Barkworth family’s mansion.Michael wanted to get out first and open the door for Ivanka, but she stopped him by tapping her soft hand on his shoulder.He looked down at her hand and then looked at her.“Don’t get out yet. I’ll grab a coat for you from inside and come back.”Michael wanted to refuse, but Ivanka had already exited the car.He watched her walk away. He then leaned back against the seat and felt a wave of relaxation.It felt as though he had finally found someone who had his back.He could not help but find it funny when he thought about it. He glanced at the spot where Ivanka had touched his hand and chuckled quietly.In the front seat, the driver felt so awkward about what he had just witnessed that he wished he could hide behind the st
The motorcycle approached them with no sign of slowing down.Michael’s expression turned grim. He quickly pulled Ivanka to the side and turned to shield her with his back.Ivanka felt a sudden spin. By the time she regained her balance, she found herself in Michael’s arms.His embrace was warm and strong. She could smell his familiar scent.It felt as if everything around them had slowed down.Then she heard the sound of water splashing on Michael. She pulled away from his embrace.Michael felt his arm grow light and stared at the empty space where she had been. He could still feel her warmth lingering.He shifted his gaze to Ivanka.Before she could speak, he quickly asked, “Are you okay? Did you get splashed?”She blinked and shook her head.“I’m fine. What about you?”He shook his head, but she did not buy it. She was sure the sound of the water splashing had been loud. There was no way he was not wet.Without hesitation, she grabbed his arm and turned him around.His b
Both Ivanka and Michael walked side by side as they maintained just the right distance between them. They looked great together, and their presence naturally attracted many gazes.It was worth mentioning that it was difficult to tell whether Michael did this on purpose or if it was just a coincidence.Both of them wore black trench coats that day. The styles were quite similar. This made them look even more like a couple in matching outfits.Ivanka’s wavy hair and red lips were striking. The beauty mark by her eye was the perfect finishing touch, which made her look stunning.Despite her beauty, Michael standing beside her did not go unnoticed either. He seemed to be a perfect complement to her.They looked like a perfect match.Ivanka noticed it but said nothing.Michael broke the silence and asked about Ferris and Mandy.“What are you going to do about Ferris and Mandy?”Ivanka did not answer right away.Michael continued, “Just having them arrested seems like getting off t
Mandy was rushed to the hospital.She fainted, but Ferris was not as fortunate.It seemed that he could not accept the fact that he had kicked his own child. He kept shaking his head and muttering, “This can’t be. How could this happen?”He looked like he was losing it.However, the law would not overlook his actions just because of his mental state.Ivanka had seen enough of their mess and was no longer interested in watching them tear each other apart. She asked the police to explain why they were there.“Mr. Clark, Ms. Ivanka has filed a report requesting a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding her fall into the water. Following our preliminary inquiry, both you and Ms. Mandy are now considered suspects. We are required to take you both in for further questioning.”Ferris did not respond. He was still unable to process what had just happened.The police followed protocol and arrested him.Ferris was led away with his hands cuffed. He was completely dazed.N
Still, Ferris kept quiet. However, the others in the room did not.A portly shareholder stood up, smacked his lips, and forced a flattering smile. “Isn’t it obvious? Ferris wants to take your place, Ms. Ivanka. Everyone can see it. He’s nothing but a complete traitor!”Once he spoke up, the rest quickly chimed in.“Yeah, he’s a traitor!”Ferris looked around the room. He already knew these people were untrustworthy, but he had not expected them to turn on him so easily.Ivanka, on the other hand, did not seem surprised.She had not taken any action on Ferris and Mandy because she wanted to watch the chaos unfold. These shareholders had sided with Ferris when she was gone, and they switched back just as quickly when she returned.Ferris was no fool. He knew that too. But the sense of isolation he felt at that moment drove him into despair.Still, he was not one to back down easily.He spat in the portly shareholder’s face.“And who the hell are you?” Ferris sneered. “You were